Issue - meetings
Implementation of Local Connection Criteria and Fee Regime for the Self-Build Register
Meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet (for meetings after 18 January 2023 see "Executive") (Item 61)
61 Implementation of Local Connection Criteria and Fee Regime for the Self-Build Register 
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Purpose:
To seek approval to introduce local connection and financial capability criteria for entry onto the Self and Custom Build Register.
To seek approval to Introduce a fee for new applicants to join the Council's Self and Custom Build Register.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet resolves to:
a) approve the introduction of a local connection and financial capability criteria for entry on to the Council's Self & Custom Build Register be agreed; and
b) approve a review of the Register and the creation of Part 1 and Part 2 of the register. With Part 1 being formed of those who meet local connection criteria set and Part 2 to be formed of those who conform with all criteria except the local connection test; and
c) approve that the fee structure set out within Section 5 of this report for new applicant to join the register is adopted from 1st April 2023 and that this fee can be monitored and varied if necessary with the agreement of the Cabinet Member;
Minutes:
Councillor Saul (Cabinet Member for Housing and Social Welfare) introduced this item. He explained that Regulations now allow for the Register to be split to identify those with a local connection. It was proposed to apply a local connection test similar to the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme which would require the applicant to demonstrate residence, employment or a family connection in the District. Councillor Aitman supported the proposals saying that it was important to be ready for the increased demand that was expected.
Councillor Dingwall expressed concerns that the financial capability test might exclude those people who could not provide the upfront finance needed. Murry Burnett (Strategic Housing & Development Officer) confirmed that the intention was to be as flexible as possible and that the absence of upfront finance would not necessarily prevent an applicant joining the list.
Resolved by Cabinet to
a) approve the introduction of a local connection and financial capability criteria for entry on to the Council's Self & Custom Build Register be agreed; and
b) approve a review of the Register and the creation of Part 1 and Part 2 of the register. With Part 1 being formed of those who meet local connection criteria set and Part 2 to be formed of those who conform with all criteria except the local connection test; and
c) approve that the fee structure set out within Section 5 of this report for new applicant to join the register is adopted from 1st April 2023 and that this fee can be monitored and varied if necessary with the agreement of the Cabinet Member;